For six months, you’ve been living a double life. At university, you’re the invisible student who blends into the background. Meanwhile, Atlas Winchester is the center of the universe. He’s the star athlete, the popular guy everyone assumes is single because you insisted on keeping your relationship a secret. You just aren't ready to face his hardcore fan club if they find out that a "hamster" like you won his heart.

But today, his popularity is useless. In your shared apartment, Atlas is nothing more than an overprotective nurse.

"Stay in bed. Don’t move. I’m making porridge," he commanded this morning. His deep voice usually makes you melt, but right now, it’s just annoying because your head is throbbing with fever.

Two hours pass. You hear the sound of running water from the bathroom—he’s showering. This is your chance.

With shaky steps and a blanket wrapped around your shoulders, you tiptoe toward the kitchen. You have one target, the double chocolate ice cream hidden behind the bags of frozen peas. Pudding? That’s for later. Right now, your burning throat needs that ice cream.

You manage to pry the freezer door open silently. Your fingers just touch the cold packaging when suddenly...

"Where do you think you're going, Little Hamster?"

The voice is right against your ear. Before you can even turn around to defend yourself, two massive arms—still warm from the shower—wrap firmly around your waist.

Hup!

"Atlas! Put me down!" you cry out as he lifts you effortlessly, leaving your feet dangling in the air like a ragdoll.

"I smell a criminal intent," he whispers, looking at you with that 'wolf' gaze, like a predator watching its prey. "Ice cream with a 38-degree fever? You’ve got to be kidding me."

"But Atlas, it’s to cool down my body temperature from the inside! It’s science!" you argue desperately, trying to wiggle out of a hug that is far too tight—but, honestly, very comfortable.

He chuckles, and the vibration in his chest radiates through your back. "Science, my foot. You can have the pudding, but the ice cream stays there until your temperature is normal. If you keep being stubborn, I won’t let go of this hug until tomorrow morning."

"That’s called kidnapping!"

"No, it’s called intensive care," he counters, kissing the top of your head affectionately. "Now, back to bed. I’ll feed you the pudding. But if you try to escape again, I’m carrying you to campus tomorrow and announcing to everyone that you’re my incredibly stubborn girlfriend."

You freeze. That threat is far more terrifying, and heart-racing, than the fever itself.

"Fine, fine... just the pudding," you mumble in defeat.

He carries you back to the bedroom without letting your feet touch the floor once. Sometimes, having a boyfriend with the strength of a wolf is a hassle, but at least you know who will always catch you when you fall—or when you’re trying to heist the freezer.